Stephen Ronald Knapp, 75, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on April 5th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Rowell) and Ralph “Jimmy” Knapp. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Kreuzburg of Chesapeake Beach, MD; stepson, Chris Duroeulx (Susan); daughter, Julie Campbell; granddaughter, Skye Campbell; grandson, Brandon Jenkins; great grandson, Tyler Jenkins; and his siblings, Donald Knapp (Janice), Kenny Knapp (Sandy), Sharon Lynch (Dale), Cindy McKinnon (Paul), Kathy Knapp, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Stephen was born and raised in Colebrook, NH. He left his childhood home soon after graduating high school to serve in the U.S. Army. He served multiple combat tours in Vietnam. Later, at the height of the Cold War, he went on to serve several tours in Germany and Turkey before settling in the D.C. Metro Area. In addition to numerous other awards, Stephen earned two Bronze Stars and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

After retiring from active duty, Stephen went on to serve as a Department of the Army civilian and was assigned to work for the G-4 at the U.S.Army Intelligence and Security Command, Ft. Belvoir. It was during this time that he served three years for the U.S. Army, Europe (USAREUR) & 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany. As both a soldier and civilian, Stephen proudly served the United States for nearly 50 years.

After retiring from civil service, Stephen enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and friends. He never failed to joke with the local residents and made many friends during his many trips. Pizza topped with French fries and hot dogs anyone? In Italy? Locally, he could often be found at his local Starbucks enjoying a cup of coffee, a newspaper and the company of the friendly baristas. His immense empathy and love of animals led to him adopting numerous dogs that were otherwise unadoptable due to their poor health.

Interment with Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made in Stephen’s honor to the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter (http://calvertcountyanimalshelter.com/) or to Hospice of the Chesapeake (https://hospicechesapeake.org/)